I have started trying to use curves by using the black and white points. I am not sure if that is how to use curves or not, but it is what I am trying to learn.

I have attached a couple of photos - one using curves and one with the shadows/highlights that I have always used. The curves seems to have changed the colours quite a bit, but I cannot decide if it is better or not. Any help would be appreciated.

_MG_0723curves.jpg
Curves
_MG_0723s&h.jpg
Shadows/highlights